CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

09 September, Chapel of the Imperial Palace, Karolain City, Alpha Centauri. 17:45 hours.

Lanie looked around her in satisfaction. Everything was just as it should be, and just what Kate wanted. The flowers, the colors, and the delicate little touches here and there…it was perfect. Granted, it had been done under the direction of the finest wedding coordinators on the planet, courtesy of the Emperor and Empress, but still…even the best could sometimes get it wrong. However, the whole room was even better than Lanie imagined.

She slipped out of the door, nodding at the guards stationed quietly on either side. The wedding was just a little under two hours away, and in less than half an hour the invited guests would start filing in, after a thorough security search, of course.

She walked down the hallway, the skirt of her soft blue-green dress swishing around her legs. Kate had opted for the long skirt, because they were in the Imperial Palace, after all, but the dress was lightweight and comfortable. The sleeves flowed loosely to the elbows, and the skirt flared out from the waist without being too much of a ball gown. Lanie smiled. She'd been a very busy maid of honor in the past few weeks, and was looking forward to the end of her duties and the party that would follow the wedding.

When she finally reached her destination, she knocked softly on the door. Knowing her best friend, Kate was probably standing there debating on whether or not her appearance was at its best. When she heard the too-loud "Come in!" Lanie almost laughed. Kate not calm and capable was a sight to see.

She quickly went inside. She was right. Kate was sitting at the dressing table, peering anxiously in the mirror as the Empress's own stylist, Merin, fixed her silky hair. She met Lanie 's eyes in the mirror.

"What do you think?" she asked almost plaintively. "Is it OK? Do you think Rick will like it? Will everyone else like it? I don't know, maybe it should be-"

"Hush," Lanie interrupted. She tried hard to hide the amusement in her voice. She knew Kate had been waiting for this moment for a long time, and was naturally nervous about it all going perfectly. "Let me look it over and tell you what I think."

She walked around Kate. Merin had taken Kate 's thick waves and arranged them in soft curls, then pulled back the front hair on either side in beautiful, complicated braids that formed a flower-like knot at the back of Kate 's head. The rest of her hair flowed down her back, and Merin had just finished fixing tiny pearl clips along the braids and in the center of the flower knot.

"Oh, Kate," Lanie said softly, "it's just magnificent. It's so beautiful, and so you. I love it."

Kate smiled brightly at that, looking at herself in the mirror and letting the stylist use another to show her the back of the hair. She nodded at Merin, who then left to check on the others getting the wedding dress ready.

She looked back at Lanie. She was looking lovely as well, her dark hair in a stylish up-do, and Kate was so glad that she'd chosen to have her best friend as her maid of honor.

Just then the door into the rest of the suite opened, and Julia stepped inside. Like Lanie, she had a blue-green dress and her hair was up, but as she was serving as Kate 's matron of honor, her dress was slightly different than Lanie's. It was unusual, but not unheard of to have both a maid and matron of honor. Julia held up a bag as she entered.

"Got them! Jason almost forgot them in the ship, can you believe it? He would've been a dead man if he had. Now, let's see how these look."

Kate and Lanie giggled. Julia was almost as excited as Kate. Julia laughed as well. In just two hours I'm getting the best sister-in-law in the world! she thought to herself. She opened the bag she was holding, and the sparkling contents dropped into her hand.

"Oh, those are even more beautiful in person!" Lanie exclaimed. Wansor, came out of retirement and had volunteered to create jewelry for the bridal party, which consisted of Lanie, Julia, Lairlene, and Julia's daughter Melissa as the junior bridesmaid. Julia was holding delicate filigree necklaces of finest platinum, decorated with tiny gemstones unique to Centauri that resembled emeralds but with the hardness of diamonds. They glimmered in the light from the windows. Lanie and Julia helped each other put on the necklaces, and put the other two in the bag. When Lairlene and Melissa arrived (as they were coming with Del and Jason a little later), they would get their jewelry. Kate laughed as Lanie preened in front of the mirror.

"Just remember, no one's supposed to outshine the bride!" she said teasingly. Julia went over and took Kate 's hands.

"As if anyone could do that today! You're glowing, Kate, you really are. Rick 's a lucky man."

Kate smiled.

"We both are lucky."

They three talked softly for a few minutes. Lanie and Julia both refused to tell Kate what the hall looked like, no matter how hard she begged. They wanted it to be a surprise for her when she walked in.

"Granted," Julia whispered as she leaned over to Lanie while Kate was getting her make-up done, "it's not like she's going to have eyes for anyone or anything except Rick when she does get in the hall. We could have let Melissa and Alex, and little Valnor, go to town in the hall with art supplies and Kate wouldn't even notice."

Lanie swallowed her laugh at that, and whispered back,

"But I'm pretty sure the Empress would." They both started laughing loud enough for Kate to hear.

"Care to share?" she called back over her shoulder. Julia bumped Lanie 's shoulder with her own and said, "Nothing, nothing, you just concentrate on getting ready."

When Lairlene and Melissa arrived, they both oohed and ached over the necklaces before putting them on. Melissa, for one, was completely entranced. It was her first piece of grown-up jewelry, and she loved it. She modeled for her mother, who smiled at her daughter's enthusiasm.

Just then the stylist called, "It's less than an hour to the ceremony. We're bringing in the dress. Are you ready?"

All of them answered yes, and the doors opened. Two of Merin's assistants walked in holding the dress between them, with Merin coming after holding a delicate tiara. They all gasped in delight.

The wedding dress was a creamy ivory white, with the skirt flowing out from the dropped waist. The bodice was a simple scoop neckline, with gossamer sleeves that would go to Kate 's wrists but would fall back when she lifted her arms. The bodice and skirt were covered with delicate, intricate embroidery, and here and there within the design winked tiny diamonds and pearls. The short train was also embroidered.

"Oh!" breathed Kate. She stepped forward and gently ran her hand along the skirt of the dress.

"It's exquisite." She looked up at her friends with shining eyes. "Isn't it beautiful?"

Julia stepped forward, touching the sheer sleeves.

"It's a work of art, Kate."

"I can't thank the Empress enough for her generosity," Kate said to Merin. The stylist smiled and replied,

"She was glad to do it. Count Richard is family, and you will be also." She then held up the tiara.

"This, however, is not from the Empress. I believe this is all your future sister's doing."

Kate turned to Julia; her eyes wide. "Julia?"

Julia smiled and embraced Kate, taking care not to miss her hair. She pulled away and smiled, her eyes misty.

"I wanted to get you something just for you. Jason and I were out the other day and saw it in a little shop in the Artisan sector. I know you weren't thinking of wearing anything, but it called to me. Do you like it?"

"It's perfect," Kate said softly. "Thank you, Julia."

"I've always wanted a sister, and now I can have you. You make Rick happier than he's ever been, and you're one of my dearest friends. You deserve it."

Kate smiled, and they settled to the business of getting her dressed. The assistants helped her carefully into the dress, making sure that her hair was untouched, and buttoned it. She put her shoes on, and Julia gently settled the tiara into Kate 's hair. Before anyone could comment, a knock sounded on the door.

Lanie and Kate looked at each other in confusion. The whole bridal party was inside the room. Who could it be?

"Come in," Kate called.

The door opened, and Empress Lucania walked in. She was dressed in a beautiful golden spider-silk gown and was wearing her smaller circlet rather than the more formal crown her bodyguard waited for her at the door. She smiled at the stunned women.

"Empress?" Kate managed to get out. She liked the Empress and was on very comfortable terms with her, and appreciated the beautiful dress, but she'd never expected to see her before the wedding!

Lucania grinned. She might be the Empress, and mother to the Crown Prince, but she was still a young woman, and rather enjoyed doing the unexpected. She liked Kate a lot, and she hadn't been involved with a wedding other than her own in quite some time.

"I do have a name," she scolded teasingly. Kate could think of nothing to say.

Julia smiled and stepped forward.

"Lucania, it is such a pleasure to see you here. I'm guessing that you wanted a peek of the future Countess before the wedding?"

"Well, yes, and you do look stunning, Kate, but I'm here for another reason." She pulled her hand out from behind her back. Resting in her palm was a small rectangular box covered in soft blue velvet.

Kate looked at her curiously. The Empress lifted the lid of the box. Nestled inside was a glittering necklace of platinum, diamonds and rubies. The Empress lifted it out and let it dangle from her fingers. It was a delicate chain, and at the center smaller pendants hung down, with a larger tri-petaled pendant in the middle.

"This is for you to wear," Luciana announced. All of the bridal party, Kate included, gasped. Luciana's eyes twinkled. "But just to wear. This is a small part of the royal jewelry sets, and my husband's advisors would fall down dead should I ever give any away. That's not to say that they could stop me if I borrowed it. I am the Empress, after all." She grinned again and stepped forward to fasten the necklace around Kate 's neck.

They all stepped back to admire the finished picture. The light through the window fell on Kate 's head and shoulders, making the necklace gleam. The pale ivory of the dress perfectly set off her hair and skin, and made her eyes as green as the emeralds on her bridesmaids' necklaces. Her happy smile, though, was really what made her beautiful as she stood there in her wedding gown.

"Oh, Kate, you are beautiful," Lanie murmured. Kate smiled, and then Melissa chimed in.

"You look like a princess, Kate, you're so pretty. I hope that Uncle Rick looks like a prince, or I'll make sure to ask him to get some better clothes."

They all laughed at that, though Melissa was somewhat confused as to why. She had been serious. They finally settled down and looked over Kate 's attire in detail. A few minutes later, Kate 's heart started to pound as she heard Jake call out softly from the hallway.

"Kate, it's time," her brother said. "Are you ready?"

Kate took a deep breath. Lanie handed her the bouquet, and then she, Julia, Lairlene, and Melissa lined up behind Kate. The Empress stepped out first, smiling at a surprised Jake.

"I'd better go get in place. My husband and I are the official representatives of Centauri, so we'd better set the example for everyone else. And I'd better make sure that the groom's party is settled as well." She glided down the hall, and Jake turned back to the room.

He caught his breath as he saw Kate standing there. He'd always known his sister was lovely, but at this moment, she was absolutely stunning. Her eyes, so like their mother's, shone. She was bathed in light from the windows, and to Jake, she was a vision. He stepped forward and offered his arm.

"You are so beautiful, Kate," he whispered. "Mom would be so proud to see you at this moment."

Kate 's eyes filled with tears, but she didn't let them fall. Jake saying that their mother would be happy made her happy as well. She slid her hand into the crook of his arm and said, "Lead the way, good sir."

Jake grinned at her words, and the party started forward. When they reached the entrance to the hall, Jake paused to let the bridesmaid's step around him. He leaned in to Kate.

"Ready?" he whispered. She nodded back, her heart pounding, but her eyes lit up with her smile. The doors opened as the bridesmaids walked in, and then Jake stepped forward with Kate.

The musicians started playing a traditional Centauran wedding medley, the notes weaving around each other to create an ethereal air. The guests stood, and small murmurs of admiration spread through the crowd as Kate entered. She was one of the loveliest brides many of them had ever seen. Kate glanced around at the first few guests, taking in the beautiful décor, and finally looking down at the flower-strewn walkway in front of her.

Kate looked up as she and Jake walked forward, her eyes unerringly finding Rick standing at the altar waiting for her. He and Del, as well as Jason and Lieutenant Carl Withers, Rick 's friend from his academy days, looked dashing in their formal uniforms, and Rick 's last groomsman, his 11-year-old nephew Michael, was looking quite handsome in his formal wear as well.

Rick watched Kate walk up the aisle towards him, and there was only one thought in his mind. She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life. His normally austere face was transformed by his wide smile as his bride walked towards him.

Kate smiled at her aunt and uncle as she passed them, as well as her brothers Victor and Peter, and Peter's wife Shayla. She noticed Marlene discreetly wiping away happy tears. When she reached the altar, Kate handed her bouquet to Lanie, and took Rick 's outstretched hand. Jake smiled and kissed Kate on the cheek, and then sat down next to his wife.

Rick and Kate turned to face the altar. In honor of Centauran customs, The Tenacious' chaplain, was sharing duties with the Emperor's chaplain. The ships, chaplain would perform the ceremony, then the Centauran cleric would pronounce a blessing. As the wedding was being hosted by the Emperor, certain other Centauran traditions were being observed as well. The chaplain turned to the Emperor and Empresses, who were seated on a dais near the altar.

"Emperor, Empress," the chaplain began, "as the leaders of Alpha Centauri, we ask your blessing on the union of your kinsman to this lovely woman. Do you give it?"

Smiling, Emperor Halnor and Empress Lucania stood and, in unison, said, "The Empire recognizes and blesses this union." Then Luciana winked and added, "Now that it's finally happening."

The crowd laughed, and both Rick and Kate couldn't help smiling at the Empress's quip. The chaplain raised his hand, and they all quieted. He continued.

"Marriage between two people who respect, honor, and love each other is a beautiful thing. Marriage also requires patience, understanding, and the ability to work hard on this fragile and beautiful relationship. But for those who can do all this, it is a wonder to behold. Richard, what have you to say to your bride?"

Rick took both of Kate 's hands in his and said, smiling, "Kate, it's been a long road to where we are now, but it's been worth everything. You are everything to me, and I promise to be your husband, confidante, and best friend. You and our family will be worth more than anything else to me I love you more than you can ever know."

Kate, beaming, replied to him. "Rick, there were times when I wondered if we'd ever get here. It took me a while to trust my heart, but I'm so glad that I did. I promise to be your best friend, your wife, and the guardian of your heart. I will give everything I have to make the best life I can for you and our family. I love you so much."

There were several sniffles in the audience, as well as from the bridesmaids, especially Julia, who had hoped her whole life to see her baby brother as happy as he was in that moment. The chaplain smiled and held out a ring to Kate.

"Repeat after me, my dear. 'I, Katherine, take you, Richard, to be my lawful wedded husband, and I promise to love and cherish and honor you all the days of my life.'"

Kate, her eyes now brimming with tears, repeated the words and slid the ring on Rick 's finger. The chaplain held out Kate 's ring, and Rick repeated the words said to him, and slid the beautiful emerald and diamond band next to Kate 's engagement ring.

"By the power vested in me by the Federation, and of the Centauran Empire, I pronounce that these two are husband and wife. The Centauran priest said; The Gods recognize this union and bless it with long life and happiness. Commander Everett said; "Son, you may kiss your bride!"

Rick pulled Kate in and kissed her soundly, prompting cheers and applause from the crowd. The two of them couldn't help laughing as well, and Kate planted a quick kiss on her new husband as the crowd cheered again. Finally, they turned to the crowd, holding hands.

"I present Mr. and Mrs. Kevan, Count and Countess Tolorain!"

The crowd cheered and clapped enthusiastically as the musicians began to play, and Rick led Kate down the aisle through a rain of petals thrown in the air by the guests.

As they stepped through the cathedral doors, Kate gasped in delighted surprise at the double row of officers in the honor party. Some were in Marine uniform, while others were in the uniform of the Imperial Guard. Captain Balil Gorlain, commander of the Emperor's personal guard roared, "Honor guard, present arms! Arch swords!" Kate smiled as they passed under the gleaming archway.

She and Rick walked down a crimson carpet to a carriage waiting to take them across the palace grounds to the Imperial ball room, which was being used as the reception hall.

Since the ceremony was being done to Centauran Imperial standards, an antique carriage was in use. The carriage was pulled by a matched pair of white horses and decorated with white roses and the unique Centauran Blue roses.

The coachman, footman and four armed outriders wore uniforms that Rick didn't recognize. Rick helped Kate into the carriage and climbed in beside her, reveling in her lovely smile. "Oh, love," she said, "it's like a fairy tale dream and I'm the princess."

Rick smiled in return and kissed her. "You're my princess, and it's a dream that you're never going to wake from."

They alit from the carriage at the entrance to the ball room. There were two armed guards at the doorway with an officer ready to check every identification and invitation. No one was going to crash this party.

Rick scanned the room as they entered. It would take a trained eye like his to notice that there were guards stationed discretely all around the room.

It took about ten minutes for the guests to start arriving. Lairlene had changed into her wedding gown after the ceremony, as this was planned as a joint reception. Kate and Lairlene hugged and flashed happy smiles as soon as Lairlene arrived. The reception line, when it was formed was truly awe inspiring. Not only because there were the loveliest women in the Empire in it, but the Emperor and two heroes of the Empire as well. It seemed to Rick that every person in Karolain City who could beg, borrow, or steal an invitation was there. A genuine smile lit his face as Kaylara Solon came through with her daughter and a shy sergeant of the Imperial Guard with them.

"The Empress invited us, my Lord. Vaunna and I wanted to tell you how happy we are that you have married your sweet lady. And because of your kindness I met Kirvail, and we are to be married."

Rick smiled down at Kaylara and said;

"That is wonderful news, Kaylara. I am very happy for you. Please inform my house staff of the date. Lady Katherine and I would like to be there." The awed look on Kaylara's face was overshadowed by the warm, bright smile on her daughter's face. Kirvail, the groom-to-be, looked equal parts thrilled and terrified that such a lauded member of society would be attending his wedding.

The double reception was one of the most glittering social events of the decade. The guest list held the names of the elite of Alpha Centauri. Even years later, the formal invitations sold for large sums on the collector market. The dinner was sumptuous,

As it should have been, considering that the finest caterers on the planet were involved. The newly married couples spent a good hour mingling with the guests and making their way around the ballroom. When they were able to finally sit down, they were all hungry enough to do justice to the exquisite food. Lairlene and Kate were no retiring, blushing brides. They tucked heartily into the wedding feast, only interrupting their enjoyment of the food long enough to give brief smiles and greetings to the people around them.

Some Centauran wedding customs differed from that of Earth. Among them was that the best man didn't give the wedding toast. The father of the groom did. After everyone had eaten, Duke Valnor rose, a wide smile on his face.

"Ladies, lords and gentlemen, welcome. Tonight, I have the pleasure and honor of toasting not one but two beautiful weddings. My sons have brought two lovely, intelligent, talented and kind ladies into our family. The house of Kevan has been blessed with treasures that money can never buy. We have already gained two wonderful grandchildren from Lady Julia and we are looking for a houseful more! Please raise your glasses to Delnor and Lairlene, and Richard and Katherine!"

The toast was answered by every guest in the room, even the children with their sparkling fruit juice. The cakes were wheeled out, and everyone marveled over the fine detail and beauty. Each couple's cake was three tiers, painstakingly hand-painted and delicately embellished, with a small group of smaller cakes decorated in the same fashion orbiting the tiers. The flowers adorning the cakes matched each bride's specific colors, and the cakes were made with the flavors that each couple liked best. They were almost too beautiful to cut, but everyone was eager to taste the beautiful creations.

After the cakes were cut and served, the dancing began. For the bridal dance, Kate chose the music for the first dance she'd ever had with Rick, the Beautiful Blue Danube. Kate danced the father- daughter dance with Jake while Rick danced with Julia. The Emperor and Empress claimed their turns next. Kate smiled delightedly at the Emperor. "You're very good, Hal," she said as the Emperor twirled her around.

The Emperor laughed and said, "Thanks to you, Rick and Julia. After the Christmas Eve party, Lucania insisted that we take extensive lessons."

The party lasted until midnight, although Kate and Rick left much earlier. As they arrived at Green Shores, Kate was delighted to see the entire population of the estate lined up outside, waiting to greet their Lord and Lady.

After happily responding to their people, they entered the house. Kate grabbed Rick 's hand and ran up the stairs to their suite. She giggled as he swept her into his arms at the top of the stairs.

"Tradition must be served," he said with a grin as he carried his new bride across the threshold of the suite. Once in their bedroom, Kate threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. He responded eagerly, holding her tightly against him.

When they broke apart, she said; "Help me out of this dress, my dear Count, and I'll help you out of your uniform. We've got a lifetime to start togetherr.

Author's Note; The first seventeen chapters posted over just a few days because it was converted to a Castle story from one I wrote a couple of years before I got into fan fiction. That is why several mistaken names popped up. I missed them. I think I can be forgiven for missing a few, in over 100,000 words. There is one more chapter to go, which I am writing now. This is actually the second of two connected stories. The other would be a prequel. I posted this one first, because it was on my computer. The other is on paper. It was on my previous computer, but was lost when my old computer crashed. I was able to recover this one. If there is enough interest, I will transfer it. It will introduce Castle as a newly commissioned lieutenant. It will not be Caskett, but will introduce all the characters and tell how Kate saves Rick's life and their first meeting that he will remember. Possible titles: Fleet Marines 2450, fleet Marines New Commission or simply New Commission

Swordwriter.

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